Balsam Grove, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balsam Grove
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 Balsam Grove
Location in North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Transylvania |
| Elevation | 2,828 ft (862 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
28708
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| GNIS Feature ID | 1018945 |
Balsam Grove is a small place in Transylvania County, North Carolina. It is called an unincorporated community. This means it is a group of homes and businesses that is not officially a town or city. Balsam Grove is surrounded by beautiful nature. It sits within both the Pisgah National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest.
About Balsam Grove
Balsam Grove is known for its quiet, natural setting. It is a great spot for people who love the outdoors. The community is found in the western part of North Carolina. This area is famous for its mountains and forests.
Nature and Location
Balsam Grove is special because of its location. It is nestled between two large national forests. The Pisgah National Forest covers a huge area. It has many waterfalls, hiking trails, and places to camp. The Nantahala National Forest is also very big. Its name means "Land of the Noonday Sun." This is because the sun only reaches the valley floor at midday in some deep gorges. Both forests offer amazing chances to explore nature. You can go hiking, fishing, or just enjoy the fresh air.
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
A very interesting place in Balsam Grove is the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. This institute is often called PARI for short. It is a science and education center. Scientists and students come here to study space and the Earth. They use large radio telescopes and other tools. These tools help them listen to signals from space. They also learn about our planet. PARI used to be a tracking station for NASA. Now, it helps people learn about astronomy and space science. It is a unique part of the Balsam Grove community.
